“Help Us Save Our Forests” – Forestry Commission Urges Chiefs, Communities to Join Galamsey Fight
Forestry Commission appeals for community support as armed galamsey operators threaten forest protection efforts; government deploys trained task force to safeguard rivers.
- Forestry Commission pleads for local support to combat heavily armed illegal miners
- Forest Guards outmatched by galamsey operators with advanced weaponry
- Government deploys 453 trained personnel under Blue Water Initiative to protect river
The Acting Executive Director of the Forest Services Division, Lydia Opoku, is appealing to traditional leaders and local communities to support the Forestry Commission in its battle against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Speaking to the media in Kumasi on Thursday, May 8, after inspecting several galamsey-affected areas, Opoku highlighted the dangers faced by Forest Guards, who are often outmatched by heavily armed individuals protecting illegal miners.
She stressed that the Commission alone cannot tackle the issue and requires the collaboration of chiefs and community members, particularly in regions where illegal mining is rampant.
“The illegal miners are guarded by armed men with advanced weapons, making it difficult for our unarmed personnel to intervene effectively,” Opoku stated. “We’re asking local leaders and residents to join forces with us in protecting our forests.”
In a related development, the government has trained 453 personnel under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ Blue Water Initiative.
After undergoing a month-long intensive training at the Ghana Navy Forward Base in Ezilibo, Jomoro District, these officers will soon be deployed to assist the Ghana Navy in protecting the nation’s key water bodies from galamsey operations.
